Cloud forensics: A research perspective

Cloud computing and digital forensics are both developing topics and researching these topics requires an understanding of the main aspects of both cloud computing and digital forensics. In cloud computing it is necessary not only to understand its characteristics and the different services and deployment models but also to survey the underpinning elements of cloud computing such as virtualization and the distributed computing which are important to identify its impact on current digital forensics guidelines and procedures. Unlike papers discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by cloud computing in relation to digital forensics, in this paper, we will discuss the underpinning cloud computing elements which are required to provide forensics friendly cloud services. Furthermore, we suggest a set of questions that will aid in the process of cloud forensics analysis.